Wednesday 29 March 2017

"The Traditional Christmas Elephant"


Many weeks ago I decided to design a new pattern for a Christmas decoration. But what to do? It all seems to have been done before - stockings, baubles, snowmen etc. So I had the idea to research some more unusual symbols of Christmas from other countries. Did you know about the traditional Norwegian Christmas mouse? The Swedish Christmas goat? Or even the Christmas spider from Ukraine?
  
But even with this research I couldn't really come up with an idea that I thought would make a good decoration. So my next plan was to start a new Christmas tradition - The Christmas Elephant. Will it catch on? Probably not. Perhaps I could say it originates from the little-known fact that the Three Kings really travelled to Bethlehem on elephants.

So although I know this is completely the wrong time to bring out a Christmas pattern, here they are - Christmas Elephants. (I toyed with the idea of the Easter Elephant, but decided that was just a step too far!)


The pattern contains instructions for both large and small elephants. They have a felt backing, and my pattern contains photos and instructions on how to put the elephant together. You can also make it with or without the coloured seat section.  


What is great about these elephants are that they really are a very quick make. I can knit several in an evening, so if you were looking to give the decorations as gifts it is ideal, as they are handmade and personal but not too time-consuming. You can use up oddments of wool that you have left over from other projects.


I think the elephants would also make a great hanging baby mobile toy. Perhaps I shouldn't say that - as I don't want to distract you from the real concept, The Traditional Christmas Elephant.  Spread the word, I know this is going to be big!


The pattern is available on ravelry, Craftsy, and Etsy, and will be on LoveKnitting shortly.

15 comments:

  1. Adorable! You are so clever. I love the idea of Christmas elephants, especially ones as cute as yours. This is sure to be a tradition that catches on, at least among knitters.
    My Saturday Snapshot post features Alki Beach.

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  2. I knew about none of those Christmas symbols!

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  3. I would definitely put a Christmas Elephant on my tree!

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  4. I don't see why a Christmas Elephant can't be a thing. I'm on board - Christmas Elephants will be the next big trend come December 2017!
    These are so cute and it looks like the pattern could be really versatile in terms of colour choices etc.

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  5. These are so sweet! Who knew these were a traditional symbol of Christmas!?

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  6. These are so sweet. I love elephants.

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  7. I love the idea of a Christmas elephant, they are so cute and can see them catching on

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  8. Haha! I love your Christmas elephants. Every Christmas should have at least one elephant. :)

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  9. Awww! He's very cute, for sure!!

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  10. These are so sweet! Elephants come across so gentle and kind, and I am sure with one of these hanging, the feeling will come across. I've pinned in a few places.
    Alexandra of EyeLoveKnots
    P.S. The 4th Granny-Spiration Challenge of the year kicked off this past Saturday. If you have any granny-inspired projects, would love if you came to link up with us :) If not, make sure to just stop by to see what others are up to and enter the yarn giveaway! Current one is here: http://eyeloveknots.blogspot.com/2017/03/april-granny-spiration-challenge.html

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  11. Christmas elephants seem like just the thing to me!

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  12. These are absolutely adorable.

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